The Most Popular Folk Song in China, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the folk song you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 2, 2024 06:37
Folk songs carry the essence of a culture's history, emotions, and everyday life. In China, these melodies not only echo the past but also resonate with contemporary themes, connecting generations. By identifying the most popular folk song in China, we gain insights into which stories and melodies sing directly to the heart of the populace.
This live ranking reflects current preferences and shifts in cultural identity. If you enjoy these traditional tunes, your vote helps to highlight the songs that matter the most today. It's a dynamic way to engage with cultural heritage and see which melodies are truly captivating the nation.
What Is the Most Popular Folk Song in China?
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156votesThis song is a well-known traditional Chinese folk song that originated from the Jiangnan region of China. It is often performed in various music styles and has become a symbol of Chinese culture.Mo Li Hua, also known as Jasmine Flower, is one of the most popular Chinese folk songs. It originated from the Jiangsu province of China and has been famously performed and cherished for centuries. The song's serene melody and poetic lyrics depict the delicate beauty of jasmine flowers, symbolizing purity and elegance in Chinese culture.
- Genre: Folk
- Language: Mandarin Chinese
- Origin: Jiangsu Province, China
- Popularized: During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912)
- Significance: One of the most recognized Chinese folk songs
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234votesThis is a folk song from the Kangding region of China, which is known for its beautiful scenery and diverse culture. The song expresses the emotions of love and longing and has become popular both in China and abroad.The 'Kangding Love Song' is a well-known folk song in China that originated from Kangding, a city located in the Sichuan Province. It is a traditional love song that reflects the beauty of the Kangding area and is often associated with the Tibetan and Qiang ethnic minorities. The song is characterized by its soothing melody and heartfelt lyrics, which express deep emotions of love and longing. It has gained popularity both within China and internationally, often being performed during cultural events and festivals.
- Origin: Kangding, Sichuan Province, China
- Genre: Folk song
- Associated Ethnicities: Tibetan, Qiang
- Themes: Love, longing, natural beauty
- Melody: Soothing and melancholic
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320votes
Bbaker516 · Public domainThis is a Chinese version of the Scottish folk song "Auld Lang Syne," which is commonly sung during New Year's Eve celebrations. The Chinese version has been modified to suit the local culture, and the lyrics express the value of friendship and reminiscing about the past.The Chinese version of 'Auld Lang Syne' is a popular folk song in China that is often sung during celebrations, especially during the New Year's Eve. It is a rendition of the original Scottish song 'Auld Lang Syne' which was written by Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1788. The Chinese version retains the nostalgic and sentimental spirit of the original while incorporating Chinese lyrics and melodies to give it a unique cultural touch.- Language: Chinese
- Original Composer: Robert Burns
- Year of Original Composition: 1788
- Popularized in China: Unknown
- Lyrics: Chinese adaptation of original English lyrics
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416votesThis is a popular Chinese love song that was made famous by the singer Teresa Teng in the 1970s. The song has become a classic and is still widely listened to today.
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515votesThis is a pop song by Chinese singer and actress Angela Chang. The song is based on the traditional Chinese melody "Mo Li Hua" and has become a popular song among young people in China.Jasmine is a delicate and intoxicating fragrance that is highly admired for its sweet, floral aroma. It is derived from the blossoms of the jasmine plant, known scientifically as Jasminum spp. The scent of jasmine is often described as sensual, exotic, and alluring, making it one of the most beloved and sought-after fragrances in the world.
- Botanical Name: Jasminum spp.
- Fragrance Family: Floral
- Main Aromatic Compound: Benzyl acetate
- Sources: Jasmine blossoms
- Region of Origin: South Asia
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67votesThis is a traditional Chinese folk song from the Guangdong region of China. The song tells the story of a fisherman who sings while rowing his boat at dusk, and has become a symbol of the region's culture.The Fisherman's Song at Dusk is one of the most popular folk songs in China. It is a traditional Chinese song that tells the story of a fisherman returning home at sunset after a long day of fishing. The song captures the tranquility and beauty of the river and the peacefulness of the fisherman's life. It is a heartfelt and nostalgic melody that is beloved by people of all ages.
- Genre: Folk
- Language: Chinese
- Date of creation: Unknown (Traditional)
- Region of origin: China
- Theme: Nature, nostalgia
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77votes
Ogata Kōrin · Public domainThe Red Plum Blossoms
Li YuannianThis is a classical Chinese folk song that originated from the Shaanxi region of China. The song is known for its poetic lyrics and has become a symbol of Chinese culture.The Red Plum Blossoms is a popular Chinese folk song that originated from the northeastern region of China. It is a melodious and sentimental song that reflects the beauty of nature and conveys a sense of nostalgia. The lyrics of the song describe the blooming of red plum blossoms during the early spring, symbolizing the arrival of new beginnings and hope.- Origin: Northeastern region of China
- Genre: Folk
- Lyricist: Li Shutong
- Composer: Li Yuannian
- Year of Creation: 1923
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88votesThis is a traditional Chinese folk song that tells the story of a young man who crosses the Han River to study. The song has become popular among Chinese students and is often performed at graduation ceremonies.Shui Tiao Kao Yuan, also known as Crossing the Han River, is one of the most popular folk songs in China. It is a traditional song that originates from the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) and has been passed down through generations. The song depicts the experience of crossing the Han River and expresses the emotions of longing and nostalgia for loved ones left behind. It has remained a beloved and widely performed folk song in China.
- Genre: Folk
- Original Period: Han Dynasty
- Language: Chinese
- Region: China
- Time Signature: 4/4
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910votesThis is a Chinese version of the traditional folk song "Mo Li Hua." The song has been modified to suit the local culture and has become a popular song among young people in China.Jasmine Flower (Chinese version) is one of the most popular traditional folk songs in China. It is a classic Chinese melody that has been widely performed and recorded over the years. The song is known for its beautiful and soothing tune, which is often associated with the delicate and fragrant jasmine flower, symbolizing purity and elegance in Chinese culture.
- Genre: Folk
- Language: Chinese
- Duration: Varies
- Lyricist: Unknown (Traditional)
- Composer: Unknown (Traditional)
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103votesThis is a classical Chinese folk song that expresses the beauty of the four seasons. The song has become a symbol of Chinese culture and is often performed in various music styles.The Song of Four Seasons is one of the most popular folk songs in China. It is a traditional Chinese music piece that reflects the beauty and changing moods of each season.
- Genre: Folk
- Origin: China
- Language: Chinese
- Instruments: Erhu, Pipa, Dizi, Guzheng
- Lyrics: Varies depending on the version
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Ranking factors for popular folk song
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Historical and cultural significanceConsider the impact and relevance of the song on a historical and cultural level. This includes the message, story, or lesson that the song conveys.
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Lyrics and melodyAnalyze the lyrics and melody to determine if they effectively convey the essence of Chinese folk music and illustrate its unique characteristics.
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Popularity and recognitionAssess the overall popularity and recognition of the song within China and among Chinese people both domestically and abroad.
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Influence on other artists and musicInvestigate the song's influence on other artists, as well as its impact on the development of Chinese folk music and its subgenres.
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Timelessness and enduring appealDetermine the song's ability to remain popular and relevant through different generations due to its universal and timeless themes.
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Regional representationEnsure the song represents the diverse landscape of regional dialects, customs, and folk traditions found throughout China.
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Availability and accessibilityEvaluate the availability and accessibility of the song for a wide range of audiences, both in China and internationally.
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Cultural exchange and promotionConsider the song's role in promoting Chinese culture globally and its possible influence on cultural exchange with other countries.
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Awards and accoladesTake into account any prestigious awards, recognitions or accolades the song might have received, both in China and internationally.
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Personal and emotional connectionGauge the song's ability to connect with listeners on an emotional and personal level, evoking a sense of nostalgia, pride or sentimentality.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular folk song in China. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or ballad is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2098 views
- 178 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each ballad once every 24 hours. The rank of each ballad is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular folk song in china
China is a country with a rich cultural heritage, and music has always been an integral part of its history. Folk songs, in particular, have been passed down from generation to generation, showcasing the country's diverse regional cultures and traditions. These songs are characterized by their simple melodies, poetic lyrics and timeless themes, such as love, nature, and social issues.
In China, folk songs are often associated with specific regions and ethnic groups. For example, the northern part of China is known for its "er ren zhuan" style of folk music, which features two performers singing, dancing and playing instruments like the erhu and pipa. Meanwhile, the southern regions are famous for their "nanyin" and "yueju" styles, which emphasize solo singing and storytelling.
Despite the regional differences, there are some folk songs that have become popular across the entire country. These songs are often nostalgic, evoking a sense of longing for the past and a simpler way of life. One such song is "Mo Li Hua" (Jasmine Flower), which is widely considered to be China's most famous folk song. Other popular folk songs in China include "Kang Ding Qing Ge" (Kangding Love Song) and "Liu San Jie" (Third Sister Liu).
Overall, folk songs in China are an important part of the country's cultural identity and continue to be cherished by people of all ages.
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